During the Second Temple, the Greek empire reigned (over Israel),1 and they (the Greeks) passed decrees against the Jews and (tried) to erase their religion, and did not allow them to carry out Torah (study) or the commandments. They put their hands on their property and their daughters. They entered the Temple, destroyed and made the pure unclean. The Jews were in great distress because of them and were much oppressed, until the G-d of their fathers had mercy on them, delivering them from their hands and saving them. Then overcame, the sons of the Hasmonean High Priest, (the Greeks) and killed them and saved the Jews from their hands. They appointed a king from the Priests, and the kingdom of Israel was restored for more than 200 years until the destruction of (the) second (Temple). When the Jews overcame their enemies and destroyed them, it was the 25th of Kislev2 when they entered the Sanctuary (inner room) and did not find pure (olive) oil in the Temple, except one jar sealed with seal of the High Priest, and it did not contain enough to light except for one day only. But they lit from it the lamps of the Menorah3 for eight days, until they could crush olives and produce a (new quantity) of pure oil. For these reasons, decreed the Sages of that generation that these eight days that begin on the 25th Kislev, will be days of joy and praise. One lights on them lamps at evening at the entrance to the houses, every evening of the eight nights to show off and demonstrate the miracle. These days are called ''Hanukah'' that is to say ''they rested'' (chanu) on the ''25'' ('th of the month) because on the 25th they rested from their enemies. and also because of those days they (re)-dedicated the house (Temple) which their foes had defiled. Also some say that it is a commandment to increase slightly the festive meals on Hanukah. Another reason is because the work of (building) the Sanctuary (in the desert) was completed in these days. One should tell one's children the story of the miracles that were done for our fore-fathers in those days, (see Josephus) However, these meals are not considered as part of the commandment unless one says at the meal songs of praise. One should increase charity in these Hanukah days, for this can help mend any defects in our souls. This charity, should be given particularly to poor Torah scholars. (KSA 139:1)
1) 352 BCE until 70 CE
2) 139 BCE
3) The Menorah was made of gold and had seven branches.
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Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2024 - Rabbi Boruch Neuberger shares his voting preferences for the upcoming election.Click on the graphic below for a larger, printable version
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Baltimore, MD – May 6, 2024 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Matthew Rosenblatt, z’l, husband of Tova Rosenblatt and father of Andrew Rosenblatt, Edward Rosenblatt, and Shmuel Rosenblatt.
The levayah will take place tomorrow morning, May 7, at Levinson's at 9:00 AM.
The kevurah will be held at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652. Shiva will be observed through Monday morning, May 13 at 6625 Chippewa Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21209
The family respectfully requests no visitors from 5:00PM-7:00PM or after 9:30PMMinyanim:Shacharis:Wed & Thurs: Rosh Chodesh 7:00AM Fri & Mon: 7:15AM Sun: 8:30AMMincha/Maariv: 7:50PM (Erev Shabbos Mincha 5:00PM)Maariv Motzaei Shabbos: 9:...
Baltimore, MD – May 11, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Dovi & Lauren Gluck on the birth of a son.
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בנם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
Pirkei Avos is a collection of the ethical writings of our Sages. The ethical guidelines attributed to each Sage were particularly important to him, and often formed the cornerstone of his life. By examining how a Sage "lived" his ethical principle, we can learn more about what the principle can mean to us. This approach is particularly striking when one looks at Rabbi Tarfon's aphorisms and his life.
Rabbi Tarfon's Aphorisms
Rabbi Tarfon's contribution to Pirkei Avos is two Mishnayos at the end of the second chapter. The first is well known by us all:
Rabbi Tarfon says: The day is short, the task is great, the workers are lazy, the reward is great, and the Master of the...
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The Institute of Halachah is directed by HaRav Mordechai Frankel, under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-K’s Rabbinic Administrator. It is an invaluable resource for a diverse array of rabbis to discuss general halachic matters, as well as gain access to source materials for shiurim and answers to congregants’ questions.
Shailos for regular or Kashrus shailos may emailed or discussed using this widget.
As we have mentioned many times, Kedoshim contains the most mitzvos per pasuk of any other parsha – 51 mitzvos in only 64 pesukim. The potpourri of various types of mitzvos really runs the gamut. However, there is one aspect of the parsha that stood out to me, going through the parsha. With the apparent lack of direct connection between the mitzvos discussed, one might have expected more divisions between the pesukim with a samech or peh. However, you have to go quite far in the parsha before you encounter the first break. Contrast this with Mishpatim, for example, where there are many breaks between the pesukim.
I wasn’t quite sure where to even look for someone who discusses this but I have come up with a basic, rough idea as a theory of my own. There is a well-known discuss...
The Biden administration has offered Israel both intelligence and supplies, if Israel will agree to end its ground invasion of Rafah, the Washington Post reported.
The intelligence would help Israel locate both Hamas' leaders and hidden tunnels, four people familiar with the offer told the Post.
The US has also offered to help provide shelters so that Israel can build tent cities for Gazans, and have offered to help with the construction of delivery systems for food, water, and medicine for Gazans in Rafah, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Two people familiar with the discussions told the Post that US officials are working closely with Egypt to locate and cut off tunnels crossing the Egypt-Gaza border near Rafah, which Hamas has bee...
Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, is not in Rafah, Israeli sources told The New York Times.
Previously, it was believed that Sinwar was hiding in one of the many tunnels beneath Rafah in southern Gaza.
However, the two sources said that the most recent intelligence points to Sinwar hiding in underground tunnels near Khan Yunis, which the IDF exited about a month ago.
Meanwhile, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Saturday night that, "IDF forces are at the height of an operation in the Zeitoun neighborhood in the Gaza Strip. In recent hours, they located a significant underground network, and in the past hour, IAF planes are attacking terror targets throughout Jabaliya in northern Gaza. As part of our preparations for an operation in the area, this morning we began a tempo...
Baltimore, Md - May 11, 2024 - We are writing to inform you that, regrettably, we have decided to postpone our upcoming Stand with Israel event, which was scheduled for Monday, May 13, at 6:00 PM.
This decision results from recent security concerns raised by various sources, including credible intelligence about potential disruptions and the history of violence associated with the organizations affiliated with the counter-protest. We have learned that a counter-protest, scheduled for the same day and time as our event, poses potential safety risks to our community members.
While we are dedicated to standing for the Jewish community and the State of Israel, we want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our members remain our utmost priority. We cannot, in good c...
Battles are continuing in Zeitoun and Rafah. Reuters is reporting that on Friday Israeli tanks took control of the main road separating the eastern and western halves of Rafah.
The IDF Spokesperson updated earlier in the day that the 401st Brigade eliminated several terror cells in battles and in air strikes. Several tunnel shafts were located in Rafah, and aircraft struck several targets in the area from where rockets and mortars were launched.
The IDF Spokesperson also stated that over the past day, Air Force aircraft struck and destroyed approximately 40 terror targets in the Gaza Strip. Among the targets that were struck were military structures, lookout points, terror cells, and other military infrastructure.
Baltimore, MD – May 10, 2024 - This morning, community resident Nomi Schnitzer noticed a drink delivery man rolling crates of sodas into the Rite Aid near 7 Mile Market when, unexpectedly, one of the dollies tipped over, sending a cascade of sodas rolling in every direction. Amidst the commotion, a group of young bochurim happened to be passing through the parking lot. In a beautiful display of kindness and compassion, they immediately rushed to the aid of the delivery man, assisting him in gathering the scattered bottles, making a Kiddush Hashem. It was a touching sight, especially considering that many others in the vicinity simply watched without offering help. Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos!
Baltimore, MD – May 10, 2024 - 3:29PM - A collision in the southbound lane on Reisterstown Road at the intersection of Walker Ave (in front of Clothier Menswear) has caused significant traffic congestion.Steer clear of the area.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday that the US is watching Israel's operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah with concern and wants the Rafah crossing reopened immediately, Reuters reported.
"We're obviously watching it with concern, of course, but I wouldn't go so far as to say what we've seen here in the last 24 hours connotes or indicates a broad, large (or) major ground operation," he added.
On the talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, Kirby said in-person have concluded for now with no deal, but the United States believes remaining gaps can still be surmounted.
Earlier on Friday, Axios reported that Israel’s Security Cabinet approved on Thursday night the "expansion of ...
Baltimore, MD - May 9, 2024 - As part of the Baltimore Zionists Districts ongoing commitment to standing up for Israel and the Jewish community, the BZD is organizing a rally this Monday, May 13, 2024 (Erev Yom Ha'Atzmaut). We will peacefully assemble at 6:00 pm at the plaza located on the corner of Charles Street and 34th Street to express our support for the State of Israel. We will stand across the street from the Johns Hopkins University encampment to peacefully and publicly deliver these simple messages: we are proud Zionists, we love Israel, we support the soldiers risking their lives to protect Israel and defeat Hamas, and we demand and pray for the return of the hostages. Please note that we will not be on the JHU campus and will not engage in any way with the encam...
A Peek Into This Week Parshas Kedoshim from Talmudical Academy of Baltimore on Vimeo.
Baltimore, MD - May 10, 2024 - Click on the graphic below to read the current issue of Baltimore Jewish Home
Baltimore, MD – May 10, 2024 - BJL wishes a hearty Mazel Tov to Elisha & Naomi Koanbash on the birth of a daughter.
Mazel Tov to grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Nissan Seleh
יה"ר שיזכו לגדל בתם לתורה, לחופה, ולמעשים טובים. אמן!
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the entire congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, you shall be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.’” (Vayikra 19:1-3)
It seems like a simple directive, “Kedoshim Tihiyu, you shall be holy.” So simple, yet so profound and complex. What does it mean to be holy? How do we actualize this holiness?
The commentaries advance many different ideas and insights as to the meaning and actualization of the holiness concept. Rashi explains, “Separate yourself from immorality and sin.” Core holiness is defined by one’s ability to fight against the urges and desires which cast us in the abyss of immorality. God can tolerate our shortcomings and mistakes, but we m...